Cytokines in the Treatment of Cancer

Sarcomas are heterogeneous malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin characterized by more than 100 distinct subtypes. Unfortunately, 25–50% of patients treated with initial curative intent will develop metastatic disease. In the metastatic setting, chemotherapy rarely leads to complete and durable responses; therefore, there is a dire need for more effective therapies. Exploring immunotherapeutic strategies may be warranted. In the past, agents that stimulate the immune system such as interferon and interleukin-2 have been explored and there has been evidence of some clinical activity in selected patients. In addition, many cancer vaccines have been explored with suggestion of benefit in some patients. Building on the advancements made in other solid tumors as well as a better understanding of cancer immunology provides hope for the development of new and exciting therapies in the treatment of sarcoma. There remains promise with immunologic checkpoint blockade antibodies. Further, building on the success of autologous cell transfer in hematologic malignancies, designing chimeric antigen receptors that target antigens that are over-expressed in sarcoma provides a great deal of optimism. Exploring these avenues has the potential to make immunotherapy a real therapeutic option in this orphan disease.

show abstract

“…Cytokines regulate the function of the immune system and are involved in antigen presentation as well as T cell activity [43]. …”

Section: Previously Investigated Immunotherapiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Stimulation of the immune system has been evaluated with cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN). Cytokines regulate the function of the immune system and are involved in antigen presentation as well as T cell activity [ 43 ].…”

Section: Previously Investigated Immunotherapiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sarcoma Immunotherapy: Past Approaches and Future Directions

D’Angelo

Tap

Schwartz

2014

Sarcoma

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Stimulation of the immune system has been attempted using various cytokines. Cytokines are involved in a wide array of immune functions including modulation of antigen presentation and T cell activation ( 14 , 15 ). The list of cytokines continues to expand ( 15 ).…”

Section: Immunomodulatory Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cytokines are involved in a wide array of immune functions including modulation of antigen presentation and T cell activation ( 14 , 15 ). The list of cytokines continues to expand ( 15 ). Although the most widely studied clinically are IFN and IL-2, several other cytokines are also moving into the clinic.…”

Section: Immunomodulatory Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Immunotherapy of Childhood Sarcomas

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Pediatric sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors of bone and soft tissue origin. Although more than 100 different histologic subtypes have been described, the majority of pediatric cases belong to the Ewing’s family of tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma. Most patients that present with localized stage are curable with surgery and/or chemotherapy; however, those with metastatic disease at diagnosis or those who experience a relapse continue to have a very poor prognosis. New therapies for these patients are urgently needed. Immunotherapy is an established treatment modality for both liquid and solid tumors, and in pediatrics, most notably for neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. In the past, immunomodulatory agents such as interferon, interleukin-2, and liposomal-muramyl tripeptide phosphatidyl-ethanolamine have been tried, with some activity seen in subsets of patients; additionally, various cancer vaccines have been studied with possible benefit. Monoclonal antibody therapies against tumor antigens such as disialoganglioside GD2 or immune checkpoint targets such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 are being actively explored in pediatric sarcomas. Building on the success of adoptive T cell therapy for EBV-related lymphoma, strategies to redirect T cells using chimeric antigen receptors and bispecific antibodies are rapidly evolving with potential for the treatment of sarcomas. This review will focus on recent preclinical and clinical developments in targeted agents for pediatric sarcomas with emphasis on the immunobiology of immune checkpoints, immunoediting, tumor microenvironment, antibody engineering, cell engineering, and tumor vaccines. The future integration of antibody-based and cell-based therapies into an overall treatment strategy of sarcoma will be discussed.

show abstract

Damnacanthal: A Promising Compound as a Medicinal Anthraquinone

Abu

Ali

et al. 2014

ACAMC

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Noni fruit, or scientifically known as Morinda citrifolia can be found in various parts of the world, especially in the pacific region. It is a small evergreen bushy-like tree originated from the Rubiaceae family. The plant has been used by polynesians as a medicinal herb for more than 2000 years. A substantial amount of phytochemicals can be found in the roots of this plant. Among all, damnacanthal has been found to be the most interesting, versatile and potent compound. Damnacanthal or chemically known as,3- hydroxy-1-methoxyanthraquinone-2-caboxaldehyde (C16H10O5), appears as pale yellow crystals with a melting point of 210-211 °C. This compound is of particular interest due to its striking pharmacological properties. Damnacanthal was shown to inhibit the oncogene Ras, p56lck tyrosine kinase, NF-KB pathway and induce apoptosis in vitro. This review aims to discuss the biological properties of damnacanthal, specifically on its anti-cancer activity that has been reported.

show abstract

Cytokines in the Treatment of Cancer

Cited by 3 publications

References 197 publications

Sarcoma Immunotherapy: Past Approaches and Future Directions

Sarcoma Immunotherapy: Past Approaches and Future Directions

Immunotherapy of Childhood Sarcomas

Damnacanthal: A Promising Compound as a Medicinal Anthraquinone

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About